I was confounded by how inexpensive it is to purchase food, clothing and household staples in Mexico. It was great, really! What I was confounded by was why EVERYTHING ("todo" in Spanish) is so expensive in the U.S.!
In Mexico, almost everything was "hecho en Mexico" (made in Mexico). If it was not made in Mexico, it was much more expensive (at least double, sometimes more).
I have not researched this; so, I can only offer my theory as to why U.S. prices are generally "competitive" across the board (with only what seems to me is a slight difference in imported vs. American-made products). I don't know if there are regulations that guide this phenomenon; but, I don't feel they work effectively.
My theory is that with "American" companies creating parts and product lines in factories in other countries and vice versa, the lines get blurry. So, this enables the companies to offer pricing that competes with other products, whether they are made in this country or not.
What I am thinking is that companies that make products in the U.S. have a bigger profit margin for the products they make that compete with imported products. I have no proof for this, only my impression based on the "real price" of goods. I would love to find out exactly why our cost of living is SO MUCH MORE than in Mexico. Anyone know?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Month in Mexico
My sons and I just returned from a month-long stay in Mexico. We were staying with my husband's sister in El Salto, Jalisco, near Guadalajara. We made many observations about the culture, lifestyle, food and language.
We never quite matched their rhythym. We had to eat when we woke up; we could not wait until the normal 10am breakfast time in their household (after the trip to the "mercado"). We also could not wait until 4pm for lunch nor eat dinner at 9pm (my boys were usually asleep by 8).
What did we eat? My oldest did not like the fresh cheeses; so, we went to Wal-Mart (yes, Wal-Mart!) to buy one of his favorite cheeses--non-smoked provolone (and sliced whole wheat bread, whole wheat crackers and a few other staples that are not readily available).
Eating gluten free was not too difficult. So many amazing foods are made with corn flour instead of wheat. I did miss out on the fresh flour tortillas at Los Burritos, though (they melt in your mouth). But, tamales, gorditas, and more were so, so, so delicious. As were the FRESHEST fruits and vegetables I have ever had.
We loved making trips to the market (mercado). I liked exposing my boys to the differences (and practicing our Spanish). I look forward to writing more about our experiences. Hasta pronto!
We never quite matched their rhythym. We had to eat when we woke up; we could not wait until the normal 10am breakfast time in their household (after the trip to the "mercado"). We also could not wait until 4pm for lunch nor eat dinner at 9pm (my boys were usually asleep by 8).
What did we eat? My oldest did not like the fresh cheeses; so, we went to Wal-Mart (yes, Wal-Mart!) to buy one of his favorite cheeses--non-smoked provolone (and sliced whole wheat bread, whole wheat crackers and a few other staples that are not readily available).
Eating gluten free was not too difficult. So many amazing foods are made with corn flour instead of wheat. I did miss out on the fresh flour tortillas at Los Burritos, though (they melt in your mouth). But, tamales, gorditas, and more were so, so, so delicious. As were the FRESHEST fruits and vegetables I have ever had.
We loved making trips to the market (mercado). I liked exposing my boys to the differences (and practicing our Spanish). I look forward to writing more about our experiences. Hasta pronto!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)